Two St. Charles Parish students being featured in the BTNEP’S 2018 Estuary Artworks Calendar

The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) hosted its fourth Annual “Estuary Artworks” art contest in collaboration with National Estuaries Day. Cierra Smith, third-grader from Lakewood Elementary School was selected as the third-fifth  grade division winner for her artwork and will receive a gift card to her favorite restaurant, and passes to any Audubon Nature Institute locations.

Her artwork will also be featured in BTNEP’s 2018 Estuary Artworks calendar.

Joining Smith in the calendar is Harley Bate, fifth-grader from R.J. Vial Elementary School who received an Honorable Mention award, will also be featured in the calendar and will receive passes to visit any Audubon Nature Institute locations.

Students throughout the estuary were invited to draw their favorite Louisiana estuary scene and submit it for judging. Over 375 pieces of artwork were submitted from students who live within the estuary.

“Estuary Artworks gives students the opportunity to learn about the estuary they live in and be creative at the same time,” said Kristy Monier, BTNEP media-public relations coordinator. “We were very pleased and amazed by the number of submittals we received this year and with the artists’ work. We appreciate their willingness to share what they know about our estuary. BTNEP looks forward to continuing this event.”

BTNEP thanked its partners, The Purple Penguin Art Company, Audubon Nature Institute and the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary Foundation.

National Estuaries Week was held nationwide from Sept. 17-23 to promote the importance of estuaries and the need to protect and restore them by raising awareness of the vital role estuaries play in our society. Activities across the country sponsored by various groups created awareness and public interest about the significance of estuaries in the environment.

BTNEP is one out of 28 national estuary programs in the United States. All or parts of 16 Louisiana parishes make up the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary system.

The organization was established under the EPA Clean Water Act to protect coastal resources.